Groundwater in Waupaca County contains radon, nitrate, iron, arsenic, manganese, and PFOS that well owners should know about. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
These contaminants come from two sources. Radon, arsenic, and manganese occur naturally as groundwater sits in contact with the local rock layers underground. Nitrate enters from land use, primarily from fertilizer and septic systems in farming and residential areas.
Groundwater in Waupaca County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the bedrock. The local rock naturally releases these minerals as water moves slowly through it over time. Most wells in the county share this very hard character based on the data.
Arsenic, iron, manganese, nitrate, and PFOS all exceed EPA health standards in wells across Waupaca County. Arsenic is a toxic metal that can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Iron and manganese can harm your organs over time. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in your body and can affect your immune system and cholesterol. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over many years.
Waupaca County has very hard water, which means mineral buildup is common in pipes and on fixtures. You may see white, crusty scale on faucets, shower heads, and inside kettles. Iron staining creates orange or brown marks on sinks, tubs, and laundry. The water might taste slightly metallic or unpleasant. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines because minerals clog the systems.
Your well is unique, and it may have higher or lower levels than what shows up across the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200-400. A water softener can reduce hardness, and radon removal systems or aeration can address radon concerns.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 2 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 45 | 40% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 96 | 16% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 95 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 31 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 40 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 95 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 92 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 95 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 35 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 96 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 40 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 98 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 47 | — | Moderate | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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